Smart Oil Spray Adapter

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter (30) for connection to a spray can (20) for dispensing an oil-containing aerosol. The adapter (30) comprises a timekeeper (11) configured to measure a predetermined time interval, the start of which is defined by the start of the spray can (20) spraying process, and the adapter (30) comprises indicator elements (12, 13) configured to indicate to a user to end the spraying process when the predetermined time interval has elapsed. The present invention further relates to a method for manually reprocessing a medical device (40).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting to a spray can that dispenses oil-containing aerosols, and to a method for manually reprocessing medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In medical technology, various reprocessing procedures are provided for various products, generally referred to herein as medical devices. Medical products (e.g., power tools) contaminated with pathogens can be a source of infection for humans. Therefore, the use of such medical products requires prior reprocessing, which must meet defined requirements. Reprocessing of medical products intended for low-bacterial or aseptic use can be understood as cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization carried out after first use with the aim of reuse, including associated work steps as well as testing and restoration of technical and functional safety. In the following, reprocessing is understood to primarily mean restoration of technical and functional safety.

[0003] The prior art provides both mechanical and manual reprocessing. For example, mechanical reprocessing involves the use of dental handpiece maintenance stations that automatically clean and lubricate mechanical components such as gears, bearings, and actuation mechanisms located within the instrument housing. Manual maintenance of medical devices such as dental and surgical handpieces and motor systems involves the use of oil sprays, i.e., oil in spray / aerosol cans, to spray the medical device or its mechanical elements. This may be provided or specified by the manufacturer itself.

[0004] Oil lubricates and maintains mechanical elements such as gears, bearing points (especially roller bearings and friction bearings), and other mechanical parts. Manufacturers can specify the time the spraying process should / should take, for example 2 seconds. The optimal duration of lubrication varies depending on the respective motor / handpiece of the corresponding medical device.

[0005] However, the prior art has the drawback that user errors are almost inevitable when using spray cans for manual reprocessing / maintenance of medical products. Specifically, there are three main usage errors that can occur: (1) The specified period is not observed, which may result in insufficient lubrication of mechanical elements or excessive lubrication. (2) The spray can is not held (exactly) vertically. As a result, the rising pipe, which is generally located inside the spray can, may partially suck in the propellant gas (especially if the can level is low) instead of the lubricating oil. This may result in insufficient lubrication. (3) There is not enough residual oil in the spray can that is still available for the next reprocessing / maintenance step, which inevitably results in insufficient lubrication.

[0006] To avoid these problems as much as possible, users usually take the safest route of prematurely discarding spray cans that still have enough residual oil for the next reprocessing / maintenance process, thus exceeding the specified time for the spraying process. However, this leads to the problem of excessive material consumption. Therefore, it may be necessary to provide a device / reprocessing / maintenance system and method concept that specifically avoids or reduces the above types of user errors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid or at least reduce the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to avoid various user errors in the reprocessing / maintenance of medical devices in order to ensure their technical / functional safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is solved in a universal reprocessing / maintenance device or universal reprocessing / maintenance system according to the invention by providing an (intermediate) adapter. The adapter is provided to be connected to a spray can, preferably a spray can dispensing an oil-containing aerosol, and thus virtually forms an intermediate part for the (fluid) coupling between the spray can and the medical product (handpiece) to be reprocessed / maintained. According to the invention, the adapter is equipped with a smart functionality to record usage parameters, preferably also status parameters of the spray can, and to inform the user accordingly.

[0009] For example, the adapter may have / include a timekeeper configured to perform time measurement for a predetermined time interval, the start of the time measurement being indicated by the start of the spraying process of the spray can. Furthermore, the adapter may have / include, for example, an indicator element configured to indicate to the user to end the spraying process upon completion of the predetermined time interval. The indicator element may be visual and / or acoustic in design.

[0010] This has the advantage that the user of the spray can can determine whether too much or too little oil-containing aerosol has been delivered to the medical device, thereby ensuring the technical and functional safety of the medical device.

[0011] The adapter may be a mechanical adapter for connecting to a dispensing opening of a spray can, which may also be understood as a plug-in or threaded connector for mechanical connection of the spray can to a medical device.

[0012] A spray can, also called a spray can or an aerosol can, is, for example, a metal can for spraying an oil-containing aerosol or an oil-containing liquid, respectively, where the liquid is preferably only oil.

[0013] A timekeeper may also be understood as a timer that may function herein as a control module for transmitting a signal to an indicator element regarding the end of a time interval. The timer may be implemented as software in a processing unit of the adapter or as hardware (e.g., electronic circuitry).

[0014] The predetermined time interval may be adapted or intended to be adapted to the medical device. For example, the predetermined time interval may have a duration of less than 5 seconds, in particular less than 4 seconds, or less than 3 seconds, or less than 2 seconds. For example, the time interval may be 1.5 seconds or 3 seconds. For this purpose, an input unit may also be provided in the adapter for setting the timekeeper as required.

[0015] The initiation point can be related to the actuation of the spray can. For example, the adapter can interact with the spray can so that the timekeeper starts or respectively executes a time measurement by actuating the spray can itself (activating the actuation lever on the spray can). Or the adapter can detect the start of a reprocessing / maintenance process by detecting flow within the adapter and a temperature change due to the flow (adapter autonomous spray start detection).

[0016] The indicator element may be, for example, a visual indication such as an LED, and / or an acoustic indication such as a loudspeaker or beeper, which may be used to indicate to the user whether the predetermined time interval has been completed. After the time interval has been completed, the user may accordingly deactivate the spray can and detach / remove the adapter from the spray can and / or medical device.

[0017] A spraying process is generally referred to herein as a process for dispensing a liquid contained in a spray can.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0019] The adapter may further comprise / include a first port. The first port may be provided and configured to be connected to a spray can. In operation, the first port may be connected to the spray can. The adapter may further comprise a second port. The second port may be provided and configured to be connected to a (particular) medical device. In operation, the second port may be connected to the medical device. The adapter may further comprise / include a passageway. The passageway may be provided and configured to connect the first port to the second port. Furthermore, the passageway may be provided to guide or transport the aerosol dispensed by the spray can from the first port to the second port.

[0020] Thus, a continuous passageway connection between the spray can and the medical device can be provided via the first and second ports.

[0021] In particular, both connections may be plug-in connections, where the connection may be by pressure or form-fit. Advantageously, a plug connector may be used as the port. The port connection may be provided in the form of a screw connection. The first and second connections may in particular provide a detachable connection with the spray can or the medical device, respectively.

[0022] The adapter may further include / include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to detect a temperature drop in the passage. The timekeeper may be configured to determine the start of the spraying process based on the temperature drop in the passage. The temperature sensor may be in the form of an electrical or electronic device that provides an electrical signal as a measurement of temperature. Hot conductors (NTC) and / or cold conductors (PTC) may be used for this purpose. Temperature sensors or integrated semiconductor temperature sensors, such as solid-state circuits, may also be used for this purpose.

[0023] The temperature drop can then be used to infer the flow of aerosol through the passageway, allowing a predetermined time interval for using the spray can to be set relatively accurately without pressing a key. When the temperature drop is detected, the timing (for the predetermined time interval) can be initiated.

[0024] The temperature drop can be caused by the aerosol being transported at a lower temperature than the ambient air located in the passage. In particular, when the aerosol is sprayed, a temperature drop can occur due to the relaxation cold. Therefore, the signal from the temperature sensor can be used to start a timer for time measurement / indication (buzzer / LED). At this point, it should already be pointed out that temperature measurement in particular can be used to determine whether what is currently being dispensed from the spray can is a liquid (lubricating oil) or a gas (propellant gas), as long as the corresponding characteristic temperature curves / drops are known and can be compared with previously measured temperature curves for comparison.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment, the adapter may include / include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured to detect a pressure change in the passageway. The timekeeper may further be configured to determine the start of the spraying process based on the pressure change in the passageway. Specifically, an absolute pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor, a bidirectional differential pressure sensor, a relative pressure sensor, and / or an air pressure sensor may be used as the pressure sensor to detect a pressure change, for example, in the form of air pressure present in the passageway. A pressure change may occur during the start of spraying. Thus, a signal from the pressure sensor may be used to start a timer for time measurement / indication (buzzer / LED) or to detect whether the can is empty.

[0026] Thus, when a pressure change is detected, a timing (for a predetermined time interval) can be initiated.

[0027] The adapter may further include / have a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor may be configured to detect the proportion of oil in the oil-containing aerosol in the passage. The indicator element may be configured to prompt the user to terminate the spraying process based on the proportion of oil. The humidity sensor may be a capacitance sensor for measuring the humidity in the passage. Here, the capacitance may be measured depending on the amount of oil content in the passage, depending on the dielectric constant. During the spraying process, the aerosol or oil mixture may wet the humidity sensor. This allows the humidity sensor to detect whether oil is still present or only propellant gas is leaking out, for example, because the can is empty or the bottle is tilted too far.

[0028] Similarly, the adapter may further include / have a position sensor. The position sensor may be configured to determine the orientation of the spray can. The indicator element may be configured, based on the orientation of the spray can, to indicate to the user to terminate the spraying process if the orientation of the spray can becomes unacceptable. In this specification, orientation may be understood to mean how the spray can is tilted relative to the Earth's gravity. If the tilt of the spray can relative to the normal to the Earth's surface exceeds a threshold value, for example, 20 degrees or 30 degrees, the position sensor may indicate to the indicator element that the spraying process should be terminated.

[0029] In further embodiments, the adapter may further include / comprise a power source. The power source may be configured to provide power to components of the adapter. The power source may be a battery or an accumulator. In particular, the power source may provide power to a timekeeper, a position sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a pressure sensor.

[0030] This allows the adapter to be compact and modular.

[0031] The above-defined object is solved in a further general method according to the present invention by providing a method for manual reprocessing of a medical device, said method comprising the steps of: The next step is to Providing a medical device; Prepare a spray can and providing an adapter, in particular an adapter according to the invention with smart functionality, and connecting a first port of the adapter to a spray can; connecting a second port of the adapter to the medical device; performing a spraying process of the spray can to deliver a reprocessing and / or maintenance agent, preferably an oil-containing aerosol, to a mechanical component of the medical device by manual actuation of the spray can by an operator / user; Initiating time measurement by at least one smart function for a predetermined time interval, the initiation point being detected by detecting a manual start of a spraying process of the spray can; and indicating completion of a predetermined time interval for manual termination of the spraying process.

[0032] These steps may be performed in this order or in another order.

[0033] In other words, the present invention relates to a reprocessing / maintenance system comprising a maintenance agent spray can (oil spray can) and an oil spray adapter having / equipping a smart function for (fluid) coupling of the spray can with the adapter for such a system as well as the medical instrument to be reprocessed / maintained. In particular, the use of the oil spray can avoids the above three serious user errors.

[0034] In one example, in this case, the duration can be maintained. When using a reprocessing unit for pharmaceuticals ("RUMP"), it is typically measured according to one's own sense of time, rather than a stopwatch. This subjective sense of time can cause the actual duration to vary from too short to too long. This can lead to insufficient lubrication or over-lubrication of the product. Insufficient lubrication can lead to wear, abnormal noise, gear or bearing damage, and premature failure. Excessive lubrication can lead to heat generation at high speeds and / or excessive oil leakage during use, possibly from its original location.

[0035] In the same or another example, a vertical position can be maintained. Most spray systems are configured so that the riser pipe extends from the spray head to the bottom of the can. If the can is held vertically, the riser pipe is always surrounded by oil, optimizing oil distribution. If the can is held at an improper angle, for example, the riser pipe may no longer be within the oil supply, resulting in only propellant gas escaping. This operating error can vary greatly depending on the fill level of the can. The lower the level, the more serious the problem, as even a slight tilt can cause this condition.

[0036] In the same or another example, it is possible to detect that the can is empty. Detecting the empty state of the can is possible, for example, by simply shaking it or by spraying a test piece of paper, for example. Also, the absence of oil while only propellant is still present may indicate correct use to the user, but this is no longer the case.

[0037] One or more embodiments may provide an application aid for separate, stand-alone use of an oil spray can.

[0038] One or more example configurations eliminate one or more of the most inevitable sources of error in using oil spray cans. For example, the source of the error is imprecise spray times with visual and / or acoustic aids to ensure accurate spray times are met, ideally to within a tenth of a second, for each handpiece / motor system; mispositioning of the can with visual and / or audible indication if the can is held at too great an angle; and failure to detect an empty can by visual and / or audible indication when empty.

[0039] In the alternative, the intelligent oil spray adapter may be provided as an attachment to the spray can or in a fixed installation, and may be battery powered or accumulator powered. The time period may be fixed, individually adjustable, or may be provided automatically, for example, by a separate coded adapter attachment attachable to the adapter, and / or by a visual and / or audible signal.

[0040] In a further alternative, a timed indication of the spraying process can be provided. Here, for example, an LED as an indicator can be lit from the beginning and turned off when the time period has ended, or the LED can be lit only when the time period has ended. Similarly, an audible signal (loudspeaker or buzzer as indicator) can sound from the beginning and become silent when the time period has ended, or the audible signal can be sounded only when the time period has ended. A combination of corresponding visual and acoustic indicators in terms of LED / audible signals can also be provided.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the spraying process may be provided with, for example, a stop mechanism. In one example, an LED and / or a (fast) beep may indicate when the spray can is held at an angle. In one example, an LED and / or a beep may indicate when the spray can is empty. In one example, an LED and / or a beep may indicate when the battery or rechargeable battery is empty.

[0042] A possible implementation of the sensor can be integrated into the adapter in the form of a microchip. The sensor in the microchip technology can be, among others, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, or an actuation sensor. The actuation sensor can interact with the push button on the spray can to establish its activation as the start of the spraying process. Pressing the spray head initiates the time measurement. For example, complementary alternatives are possible in terms of sensor integration. Examples include the use of a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a temperature sensor, either alone or in combination. The time measurement can be performed by a timer or based on the temperature drop during the spraying process. For example, 10 K can correspond to 1 second, 15 K to 2 seconds, and 25 K to 3 seconds. The end of the time measurement can therefore be determined by a maximum temperature threshold.

[0043] In particular, a visual and / or acoustic indication of spray duration and / or a visual and / or acoustic warning may be provided if the spray can is positioned too tilted. A position sensor may detect if the spray can is tilted, and a moisture sensor may detect oil moisture in the jet if the spray can is empty.

[0044] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the description given herein can be / may be configured to be implemented using hardware circuits, software means, or a combination thereof, which software means may relate to a programmed microprocessor or general-purpose computer, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and / or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0045] For example, the adapter, power supply, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, position sensor, pressure sensor, actuation sensor, indicator element, and timekeeper may be partially embodied as a computer, logic circuit, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), processor (including, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller (μC), or vector processor) / core (integrated in or used by a processor) / CPU (central processing unit capable of multiple processor cores), FPU (floating point unit), NPU (numerical processing unit), ALU (arithmetic logic unit), coprocessor (additional microprocessor to support a main processor (CPU)), GPGPU (general purpose computing with graphics processing unit), parallel computer (for simultaneous execution of computational operations on multiple main processors and / or graphics processors, among others), or DSP.

[0046] Although some of the above aspects are described with respect to an adapter, these aspects may also apply to a method or system including the adapter, the spray can, and the medical device. Similarly, the aspects described above with respect to the method may apply in corresponding ways to the adapter and the system.

[0047] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "connected" or "associated" with another component, this means that there is a direct connection to that component, but there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, this should be understood to mean that there are no other components in between.

[0048] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a spray can. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an adapter. [Figure 3a]1 is a schematic diagram of a system of a spray can, an adapter, and a first medical device. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system consisting of a spray can, an adapter, and a second medical device. [Figure 3c] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system consisting of a spray can in the form of a dispenser system with a further medical device connected thereto, an adapter, and a third medical device. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system consisting of a spray can, possible adapter embodiments, and corresponding port options. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The drawings are merely schematic and are intended solely for the purpose of understanding the invention. Identical elements are given the same reference symbols. Features of the individual embodiments are interchangeable.

[0051] Additionally, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "downward," "over," "above," "left," "leftward," "right," "to the right," and the like may be used herein simply to describe the relationship of an element or structure to one or more other elements or structures depicted in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to include other orientations of parts in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Parts may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or at a different orientation) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The adapter and method, or system consisting of the adapter, spray can, and medical device, respectively, are described with reference to embodiments.

[0053] In principle, the disclosure herein relates to an adapter 30 for a spray can 20, which is provided for lubricating a medical device 40 or an element thereof, respectively. The adapter 30 serves to inform the user of any errors made by the user when manually manipulating the spray can 20, thereby protecting the medical device 40 from damage or ensuring its optimal performance. For this purpose, time, tilt, and oil content are taken into account in order to provide optimal reprocessing of the medical device 40. All elements of the system are described in detail.

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a spray can 20. The spray can 20 has a metal container 1 separated from an internal space. The internal space contains a liquid activator solution containing a propellant 2.1, which is located substantially at the bottom of the spray can 20 when the bottle is held vertically. Here, the activator solution is shown at the bottom, for example. Above this, a gaseous propellant 2.2 is shown, which is located substantially at the top of the spray can 20 when the bottle is held vertically. A riser pipe 3 extends into the internal space to receive the activator solution. As shown in FIG. 1, the riser pipe 3 precisely captures the activator solution 2.1 when its bottom is within the activator solution 2.1 in the internal space. If the spray can 20 is tilted and / or only a small amount of activator solution 2.1 remains in the chamber, a large amount of propellant 2.2 can enter the riser pipe 3. This can be disadvantageous if unnoticed.

[0055] The rising pipe 3 leads to a valve 4 which prevents the activator solution 2.1 and / or the propellant 2.2 from leaving the bottle. The valve 4 is opened by pressing / actuating the spray head 5 so that the activator solution 2.1 and / or the propellant 2.2 can leave the spray can 20. For completeness and by way of example, Figure 1 also shows the protective cap 6 of the spray can 20.

[0056] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments above or below. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 may have one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concepts or embodiments described below with respect to Figures 2, 3a, and 3b.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an adapter 30. The adapter 30 may be provided in particular for a spray can 20 such as that shown in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the adapter 30 has a first port 7 that can be connected to the spray can 20, for example, by screwing or plugging, depending on the type of port used for the first port 7. A passage (not shown) passes through the adapter 30 to a second port 8, which in turn can be connected to a medical device 40. This connection can advantageously be made by plugging. In FIG. 2, a power source 9 in the form of a battery, a sensor 10 in the form of a position sensor, and a timekeeper 11 in the form of a timer are shown by way of example. In particular, the timekeeper can define a time interval that begins when the spray head 5 of the spray can is activated. At the end of the time interval, either a visual indication 12 in the form of an LED or an acoustic indication 13 in the form of a beeper or buzzer can be illuminated or sounded, respectively, or both, thereby informing the user to stop operating the spray can 20.

[0058] The battery 9 supplies the corresponding energy consumers 10, 11, 12, 13 of the adapter 30 with the required energy or corresponding current, respectively. For this purpose, cables can be routed through the space provided by the adapter 30 to connect the energy consumers 10, 11, 12, 13 to the battery 9. For this purpose, a voltage supply of 3 V or 5 V can be provided. The energy consumers used can be integrated into the adapter in the form of microchips.

[0059] The position sensor 10 measures whether the adapter deviates from the horizontal plane relative to the drawing and sends a signal to a visual indication 12 and / or an acoustic indication 13 if the inclination relative to the horizontal in FIG. 2 exceeds a threshold value. If the bottle is not completely filled, the threshold value can be chosen conservatively.

[0060] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments above or below. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 may include one or more optional additional features corresponding to the proposed concepts or one or more aspects mentioned in connection with one or more embodiments above (e.g., Figure 1) or below (e.g., Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c).

[0061] 3a, 3b, and 3c show schematic diagrams of a system consisting of a spray can 20, an adapter 30, and a first, second, or third medical device 40, respectively. Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c differ only in the type of device 40 and the type of second port 8 to be connected. The three elements, spray can 20, adapter 30, and medical device 40, can be plugged together, thereby creating a continuous passage between the spray can 20 and the medical device 40. For example, for this purpose, a passage can be provided in the adapter 30 such that its width corresponds to the size of the passage provided by the spray head 5. Furthermore, the passage can be adapted to be larger or smaller from the first port 7, i.e., from the spray head 5, to the second port 8, i.e., to the medical device 40. This has the advantage of distributing the oil in an optimized manner and avoiding oil loss.

[0062] Additionally, the first port 7 may be configured to complement a connection point provided on the spray head 5 of the spray can 20. It is also compatible with the second port 8, which may be configured to complement a connection point provided on the medical device 40.

[0063] When the spraying process is complete or about to be completed, or as indicated by one or both of the indicators 12, 13, the user removes the adapter from the spray can 20 and from the medical device 40. Because different forces may be applied to mate the respective ports, it may be advantageous to first remove the adapter 30 from the medical device 40 and then from the spray can 20. For example, the force of the second port 8 associated with the connection point on the medical device 40 may be configured to be less, e.g., less than ¾, less than ½, or less than ¼, than the force of the first port 7 associated with the connection point on the spray head 5 of the spray can 20. This allows the spray can 20, along with the adapter 30, to be more easily handled.

[0064] Furthermore, the adapter 30 is adapted to establish a smart connection with the medical device 40 to be lubricated. The term smart connection means that the adapter 30 has a sensor system that can, for example, detect whether a medical device 40 is connected or not, identify the type or respective kind of the connected medical device 40, and also interact with the connected medical device 40, i.e., exchange data between the adapter 30 and the medical device 40.

[0065] An RFID chip, which can act as a readable data memory and identification function, can be part of the sensor system. The RFID chip can be read contactlessly, for example, using near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless technology.

[0066] FIG. 4 summarizes the individual examples from FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , and 3 c to provide an overview of various smart connection options for the adapter 30 to the medical device 40 .

[0067] In particular, the smart connection can distinguish during detection whether a medical device 40 is directly connected to the adapter 30, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, or whether it is indirectly connected via an intermediate functional unit such as a distributor system 41, as shown in Figure 3c. The distributor system 41 may, for example, have a port inlet 42 with multiple distribution passages 43 with outlets 44 at each end. Medical instruments 45 may be connected to each outlet 44, thereby enabling indirect connection between the adapter 30 and several medical instruments 45.

[0068] The dispenser system 41 can be part of a holder with a sensor system of a storage tray for medical instruments 45. The storage tray is hereinafter referred to as smart tray 46. Here, the handpiece 47 of the medical instrument 45 can have a sensor system, for example in the form of an RFID chip, in particular in the form of a so-called glass tag enclosed in a glass tube.

[0069] The sensor equipment of the individual port partners, such as the adapter 30, smart tray 46, medical device 40, and medical instrument 45, enables smart connections between the individual port partners, which collectively result in a smart networking of the port partners that are directly or indirectly connected to each other. In other words, information can be passed, exchanged, stored, and processed between the individual smart port partners.

[0070] In certain applications, data processing in the intelligent oil spray adapter 30 depends on whether the medical device 40 or smart tray 46 to be oiled is detected and / or identified via NFC or BLE at the second port 8. Once identified, the adapter 30 can read the parameters of the medical device 40 or smart tray 46 stored in the RFID chip and determine the amount and duration needed to oil the corresponding device 40.

[0071] After reading the parameters of the medical device 40 or the smart tray 46, the adapter 30 can, for example, output "lubrication process sufficient" via the visual indication 12 to indicate that the amount of oil in the spray can 20 is sufficient for the lubrication process of the respective device 40 to be lubricated. After reading the parameters of the medical device 40 or the smart tray 46, it can output "lubrication process insufficient" via the visual indication 12 if it is determined that the amount of oil in the spray can 20 is no longer sufficient. Alternatively or additionally, notification as to whether there is enough oil in the spray can 20 can be conveyed via an audio signal of the audio indication 12 or a color signal of the visual indication 13.

[0072] After the adapter 30 completes the lubrication process of the medical device 40 directly or indirectly via the smart tray 46 using the distributor system 41, each parameter of the lubrication process, such as the duration and amount of the spraying process, can be stored in each medical device 40 not only in the smart tray 46 but also in the handpiece 47 of the medical instrument 45. In other words, mutual communication between the adapter 30 and the connecting components (device 40, smart tray 46, handpiece 47 of the medical instrument 45) is possible, allowing for individual and accurate control of the lubrication amount and spraying duration.

[0073] Furthermore, the adapter 30 as well as the smart tray 46 can not only store each parameter of the lubrication process, but also specifically assign each parameter to the corresponding medical device 40, for example by an identification number. In other words, mutual communication between the adapter 30 and the connecting parts (device 40, smart tray 46, handpiece 47 of medical instrument 45) is possible, which allows information such as continuous spray time and oil volume to be stored again in the connecting parts.

[0074] Data for each individual oiling process can also be read from the oil spray adapter 30 and smart tray 46.

[0075] In summary, the present invention relates to an adapter 30 for connecting to a spray can 20 for dispensing a fluid, such as an oil-containing aerosol. The adapter 30 is equipped with a smart function intended and configured to detect usage parameters, preferably also status parameters of the spray can 20, and notify the user accordingly. Usage parameters should be understood as parameters that directly or indirectly enable a conclusion to be drawn about the type of current reprocessing step in the reprocessing of a tool / instrument. Accordingly, characteristic parameters such as reprocessing time, temperature, etc., which can be determined directly or indirectly in the adapter, can be assigned to each reprocessing step (cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, maintenance, etc.). It is also possible to determine the current reprocessing step based on a port, etc. For example, the adapter may have a timekeeper 11 configured to perform time measurement for a predetermined time interval, the start of which is indicated by the start of a reprocessing step, such as the spraying process of the spray can 20, and the adapter may have indicator elements 12, 13 configured to indicate to the user to stop the spraying process upon completion of the predetermined time interval. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manually reprocessing a medical device 40. On the other hand, optional status parameters relate to parameters that provide an indication of the status of the spray can, for example, fill level, operability / function of the spray can, correct filler, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1: Metal container 2.1: Activator solution with propellant (liquid) 2.2: Propellant (gas) 3: Ascending pipe 4: Valve 5: Spray head 6: Protective cap 7: First port 8: Second port 9: Power supply 10: Sensor 11: Timekeeper 12: Visual Indication 13: Acoustic indication 20: Spray can 30: Adapter 40: Medical Devices 41: Distribution system 42: Port entrance 43:Distribution passage 44:Exit 45: Medical equipment 46: Smart Tray 47: Handpiece

Claims

1. 1. A reprocessing and / or maintenance system for medical instruments, comprising: a spray can for dispensing a maintenance agent; and an adapter for optional connection to said spray can, the adapter comprises a smart function provided and configured to detect usage parameters of the spray can; A reprocessing and / or maintenance system, characterized in that the smart function is further provided and configured to detect the fill level of the spray can and / or the operability of the spray can and / or the correct filler for the spray can as status parameters of the spray can and to inform a user accordingly.

2. 2. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance agent is an oil-containing aerosol.

3. 10. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a sensor system configured to establish a smart connection with a connected medical device.

4. 4. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor system is configured to establish the smart connection with the connected medical device, which is a smart tray or the medical instrument, via NFC or BLE wireless technology.

5. 5. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the sensor system of the adapter is configured to identify the type of the medical device by means of the smart connection and to recognize whether the medical device is directly or indirectly connected to the adapter.

6. the sensor system of the adapter is configured to exchange, process and store data between the adapter and the medical device by means of the smart connection; 4. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 3, wherein the data of the medical device is stored in an RFID chip.

7. The smart feature is a timekeeper configured to perform a time measurement for a predetermined time interval, the start of the time measurement being indicated by the start of a spraying process of the spray can; 3. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system of claim 2, further comprising: an indicator element configured to indicate to the user to terminate the spraying process upon completion of the predetermined time interval.

8. The adapter is a first port provided for connection to the spray can; a second port provided for connection to a medical device; 8. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system of claim 7, further comprising: a passageway provided to connect the first port to the second port and to guide the oil-containing aerosol dispensed by the spray can from the first port to the second port.

9. the adapter further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature drop within the passageway; 9. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the timekeeper is configured to determine the start of the spraying process based on the temperature drop.

10. the adapter further comprising a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure change in the passageway; 10. A reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the timekeeper is configured to determine the start of the spraying process based on the pressure change.

11. the adapter further comprising a humidity sensor configured to detect an oil fraction of the oil-containing aerosol in the passage; 11. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the indicator element is configured to indicate to the user to terminate the spraying process based on the oil percentage.

12. the adapter further comprises a position sensor configured to determine an orientation of the spray can representative of an inclination of the spray can relative to the Earth's gravity; 12. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system of claim 8, wherein the indicator element is configured to indicate to the user to terminate the spraying process based on the orientation of the spray can.

13. 13. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the adapter further comprises a power supply configured to provide power to components of the adapter.

14. 14. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 13, characterized in that the power source is a replaceable battery or accumulator.

15. 8. The reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to claim 7, characterized in that the indicator element is a visual indication or an acoustic indication.

16. 16. An adapter for a reprocessing and / or maintenance system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the adapter is provided and configured to be connected to the spray can as a reusable unit and to the medical device as a one-way unit.

17. 17. A method for manually reprocessing and / or maintaining a medical device using an adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: Providing a medical device; Prepare a spray can and providing the adapter; connecting a first port of the adapter to the spray can; connecting a second port of the adapter to the medical device; performing a spraying process of the spray can to deliver a reprocessing agent and / or maintenance agent to a mechanical component of the medical device by manual actuation of the spray can by a user; Initiating a time measurement of a predetermined time interval or a volumetric flow measurement through the adapter, the start of the time measurement or the volumetric flow measurement being indicated by detecting the start of the spraying process of the spray can; indicating completion of the predetermined time interval or reaching of a predetermined volumetric flow rate and an associated request that the spraying process be terminated.

18. 18. The method of manually reprocessing and / or maintaining a medical device using an adapter according to claim 17, wherein the reprocessing and / or maintenance agent is an oil-containing aerosol.

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